DS E-TENSE electric supercar concept debuts at 2016 Geneva Motor Show

It has not been long since the DS brand was launched and yet, DS Automobiles is already unveiling at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show its first electric-powered supercar and its entry to the Formula E World Championship – the new DS E-TENSE.

This latest racing car from DS Automobiles is powered by an electric engine that develops up to 402hp of output and up to 516Nm of torque but does not let out any harmful emission. This high-performance GT also boasts a mixed cycle range of 310 km or urban cycle range of 360 km.

Providing power to the electric engine are lithium-ion batteries placed under the E-TENSE’s chassis, a setup that allows for a more even torque distribution between the axles and helps keeps the vehicle’s center of gravity low.

DS employed an avant-garde design method to develop refined elements inside the E-TENSE. The carmaker used parametric tools to generate surface and volume in a very distinct manner. For instance, the DS E-TENSE features a dashboard that has been sculpted to create a futuristic effect as well as a radiator grille that was produced through 3D printing.

Wrapped in an exclusive metallic green ametrine color with a central chrome-plated spine, the DS E-TENSE features a sense of design marked by its flowing lines, an impression of perpetual motion and a silhouette of a grand tourer coupé.

To give its design a good deal of liberty to shape its contours and employ digital rear-view technology, DS got rid of the vehicle’s rear windscreen. Marking the front end of the DS E-TENSE are DS LED Vision headlamps with jewel-like in-design as well as daytime running lights.

Accentuating the rear end of the E-TENSE are roof-integrated indicators inspired by the original DS from 1955. It also features tail lights featuring scale-like in-design with full LED technology. Inside, the cabin of the E-TENSE carefully blends French savvy with superior materials.

In fact, it took DS upholsterers 800 hours to design, test and create the interior of the DS E-TENSE, while focusing on the watchstrap style design on the seats and dashboard. The interior also features a futuristic dashboard made from cold steel as well as a steering wheel with a marked tulip-shape.

To enhance the stylish and sophisticated nature of the vehicle’s interior, DS partnered with leading French luxury brands to come up with bespoke accessories that appropriately convey DS values. For instance, DS E-TENSE is available with a first-class audio system from Focal.

This silent yet sleek vehicle features 9 Focal Utopia high-fidelity loudspeakers that ultimately convert the cabin into a mini auditorium for an exclusive and enjoyable audio experience. These high-end speakers feature technology that appropriately reflects the sophisticated nature of the DS E-TENSE.

Moreover, the supercar features a helmet harness from Moynat, inspired by the Y-shaped straps for securing the trunk, thereby keeping in place the spare tire mounted on the rear of vehicle. This harness, designed by the artistic director of Moynat, consists of two main handles made from natural calfskin that features a staining that will become deeper as it ages.

The harness, which features a supple leather pouch inside, is hand-crafted by highly skilled craftsmen, thereby continuing the tradition of French fine leather goods. This harness could be fastened on the driver's seat to guarantee safety and it could also be removed and used to carry a helmet like a bag.

Additionally, the DS E-TENSE is available with a one-off edition watch from BRM Chronographers, design to worn on the wrist or mounted to the supercar's central console. Since the case is angled at 90 degrees, the driver can view the time even while driving.

All current DS vehicles feature DS LED Vision. But the DS E-TENSE features an active version of this system, the DS ACTIVE LED VISION. All the LED modules are precisely set to allow them to rotate at 180 degrees.

Moreover, DS ACTIVE LED VISION comes with an array of new features like a highway function for motorway driving and a weather function that widens the beam during low-visibility situations like rain, snow and fog.

Nonetheless, the new DS E-TENSE features a number of state-of-the-art technologies like a digital rear vision that functions in conjunction with the rear camera, and the "clean cabin" filtration system that works with the air conditioning system for active passenger protection. This filtration system continuously identifies, analyzes and filters exterior pollutants for cleaner cabin air.

Press Release

DS E-Tense Concept

A year after the official launch of the brand, DS Automobiles is unveiling the head-turning DS E-TENSE at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, an electric-powered Supercar that silently produces 516Nm of torque, 402hp and zero emissions.

Measuring 4.72m long and 1.29m high, DS's ambition with the DS E-TENSE is to create a high-performance electric GT car that brings together state-of-the-art technology and avant-garde design.

AVANT-GARDE DESIGN MEETS CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

All those who set eyes on the DS E-TENSE will instantly notice its unique styling, flowing lines and sense of perpetual motion. With the silhouette of a grand tourer coupé emphasised by a central chrome-plated spine and an exclusive metallic green ametrine body colour, the DS E-TENSE evokes one simple desire, and that is to be driven.

DS applied its avant-garde design styling to this vehicle and similar to the Divine DS, removed the rear windscreen at the back, giving the design team a huge amount of freedom to mould its contours and make use of digital rear-view technology.

A unique DS trademark feature, the front and rear lights were the object of scrupulous attention, with the DS LED Vision headlamps that are jewel-like in design. The daytime running lights - picked out as if in beaded stitches, a nod to the world of high fashion - accentuate the car's expressive gaze. At the rear, the indicators integrated into the roof are inspired by the original DS from 1955. Finally, the light signature's show-stoppers are the tail lights: equipped with full LED technology and scale-like in design, they seem to spring to life whenever the car is in use, setting the trend for future DS models.

As for the car's interior, it is an example of the alchemy that occurs when French savoir-faire is combined with superior materials. DS upholsterers took 800 hours to design, test and produce the interior, with particular emphasis on the upgraded watchstrap style design on the seats and dashboard. Other noteworthy features include the cold steel used for the dashboard, creating a futuristic look, and the strongly marked tulip-shape of the steering wheel.

DS JOINS FORCES WITH LEADING FRENCH LUXURY BRANDS

To raise this interior to new heights of sophistication, bespoke accessories have been created in collaboration with French luxury brands - products born of skills that embody the DS values in every respect.

A helmet harness by Moynat

The artistic director of Moynat came up with this unique object by drawing inspiration from the Y-shaped straps that used to secure the trunk, thus holding the spare tyre to the back of an automobile. The harness consists of two main handles made of natural calfskin with a staining that will become deeper and more lustrous with age. Inside, there is a supple leather pouch. Entirely hand-made by highly skilled craftsman, the harness seamlessly perpetuates the venerable tradition of French fine leather goods. Its function is multipurpose: it can be fastened securely to the driver's seat in such a way that absolute safety is guaranteed, but it can also be removed and has been designed to carry a helmet in a practical yet elegant way, so doubles as a bag about town.

A one-off edition watch by BRM Chronographers

Watchmaking technology is refined to its very essence in this timepiece specifically designed for the driver of the DS E-TENSE. It can be worn on the wrist or affixed to the car's central console. The case is angled at 90° so that the time is viewable while driving.

A first-class audio system by Focal

A silent car doesn't mean that sound is not a crucial consideration. For an exclusive experience, 9 Focal Utopia high-fidelity loudspeakers transform the interior of the DS E-TENSE into an auditorium to satisfy the most demanding listeners. Top-of-the-range speakers utilising highly sophisticated technology are a reflection of the car itself.

DS has taken an unprecedented approach in choosing to build partnerships with companies rarely seen on the automotive stage.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS WORKING TOGETHER

As a Formula E World Championship competitor, DS Automobiles has equipped its latest creation with a 100% electric 402hp engine that produces 516Nm of torque, delivering propulsion that is clean, silent, but above all efficient and powerful. Add the 310km mixed cycle range (or 360km urban cycle) and the DS E-TENSE takes its rightful place among the ranks of high-performance GTs.

The lithium-ion batteries are situated under the car's chassis, which keeps the centre of gravity low and enables even torque distribution between the axles.

Features developed using parametric design

Following close behind the DS 4 Concept, it was the DS E-TENSE's turn to see certain elements take shape through the use of an innovative and avant-garde design method. Already established in couture and architecture spheres, parametric tools enable surface and volume to be generated in a unique way.

There is no better example of this than the DS E-TENSE's dashboard, sculpted to futuristic effect. Likewise the radiator grille at the front, also a product of parametric design but here used in conjunction with 3D printing.

Making the move from DS LED VISION to DS ACTIVE LED VISION

A concept car represents a road map for the future. The DS E-TENSE takes DS LED Vision - a hallmark of all current DS vehicles - to the next level, making it active. All the LED modules are worked into the design in a way that a jeweller or watchmaker would practice their craft. They now rotate at 180°. Furthermore there is a welcome mode for the driver, and most importantly new features including a high-way function for motorway driving and a weather function that widens the beam in rain, snow and fog. DS ACTIVE LED VISION pushes back the outer edges of darkness for an ultimately safe drive.

The car presents other examples of the latest technology, such as digital rear vision that works with the camera at the back, or the innovative "clean cabin" filtration system that works with the air conditioning to provide active protection for passengers. The system continuously identifies, analyses and filters exterior pollutants in order to purify the air in the cabin.

AUTOMOTIVE PASSION MEETS HIGH-TECH EFFICIENCY

A unique creation, for people who want to give free rein to their passion for cars, without compromising on driveability or performance… this is what DS E-TENSE represents.

The two-seater monocoque chassis is manufactured from carbon fibre and equipped with independent superimposed double wishbone suspension. As the batteries are located beneath the floor, the centre of gravity is low, allowing the car to handle with rigour, precision and verve, all in total safety (especially given the even torque distribution between the axles). Meanwhile, the streamlined silhouette, the carbon fibre diffuser and the flat underbody all contribute significantly to its aerodynamic performance. The specially developed Michelin tyres (able to sustain the high torque electric powertrain) are also noteworthy for the safe and comfortable drive they guarantee, even at top speeds.

This safety and comfort is facilitated by high-definition digital instrumentation: a 12-inch digital handset is coupled with a 10-inch touchscreen. The ergonomic design of the controls is efficient and intuitive, thanks to an electronic system developed in collaboration with Coyote.